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The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, today denounced the death of Syrian photojournalist, Khalid Al Issa, in Turkey on 24 June.

“I condemn this act of violence which led to Khalid Al Issa’s death,” the Director-General said. “The work and commitment of media professionals as purveyors of accurate information is essential in all societies, and especially those facing conflict. Without information, no progress can be made. I remind all parties to observe the civilian status of journalists and their right to exercise their profession as prescribed by the Geneva Conventions.”

Khalid Al Issa, seriously injured on 16 June after a homemade bomb was detonated in the building where he lived, succumbed to his wounds in a hospital in the city of Antakya, Turkey.

The Director-General of UNESCO issues statements on the killing of media workers in line with Resolution 29 adopted by UNESCO Member States at the Organization’s General Conference of 1997, entitled “Condemnation of Violence against Journalists.” These statements are posted on a dedicated webpage, UNESCO condemns the killing of journalists